Rebecca McGuire

Rebecca McGuire is a member of Marist's online MA in Integrated Marketing Communication Class of 2015. She also received a B.A. in Communications/Public Relations with a Minor in Psychology from Marist College ‘05 and is currently the Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Programs at The Foote School in New Haven, CT.

Tell us about your work history before Marist, including years of experience, industry, companies, and positions:

Currently- Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Programs at The Foote School

Development Committee Chair and Director-At-Large at the National Niemann-Pick Disease Foundation- 3 years and counting

Westminster School- Development Operations Manager- 3 years

What are your career goals?
To further develop integrated marketing communications as a vital component in the non-profit sector.

Why did you choose to pursue your degree at Marist?
I chose Marist as it was my undergraduate alma mater and I believe strongly in the education that they provide.

Tell us about a project or course that was particularly meaningful to your professional development.
In my first class of the program, IMC Principles, I was able to create materials and ideas that would benefit my foundation work. Real world experiences and weaving them into the foundation and my education were the most beneficial and rewarding to my professional development. While working for a small rare disease foundation it is my lifelong goal to support it in any way possible, and the direct implementation of these ideas was cross-beneficial.

How has a degree from Marist and your course work enhanced your career?
Having this degree has helped me make huge strides in the past two years. I have developed a strong background that has allowed me to work my way up in the development industry.

What advice would you give to a student considering pursuing their master’s degree at Marist?
Marist has provided me the opportunity to gain a master’s degree while being a full-time employee and a mother of two children. This flexibility and opportunity teach you how to balance all aspects of life.

If you took an online class or had online learning as part of a regular course, tell us about your experiences – any tips or suggestions to pass along to future students?
Online learning is completely different from the in-classroom experience. You learn to manage your workload while still being held to strong deadlines. This online program teaches you all the possibilities and opportunities to communicate through group work. Group work is key in today’s world and learning how to manage with colleagues from all over the country helps teach you perspective.